Major disruption on Eurostar and Eurotunnel after power failure

Thousands of passengers suffered major disruption after rail services through the Channel Tunnel were suspended because of a power failure.

The issue affected Eurostar, which runs passenger trains using London St Pancras, and Eurotunnel, which operates freight and car services at Folkestone, Kent.

All services were suspended because of the problem which emerged at around 2pm.

Some passengers were stuck on trains while others had to wait in long queues at stations.

A Eurostar spokesman said: “Our trains are currently delayed because of overhead power supply problems in the Eurotunnel.”

The company apologised to passengers and warned them that the issue was expected to take “a few hours to fix”. Eurotunnel said: “Our passenger service is temporarily suspended due to a technical fault in the tunnel which is in the process of being resolved.

“We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience this will cause to your journey.”

Some passengers sent messages to Eurostar via social media to express their frustration.

One passenger wrote: “On train in Gare du Nord with delay – can someone turn the blasting air con off? Uncomfortable enough without being frozen into seats!”

Another Twitter user said: “Are you aware yet of the estimated time of departure? My husband has serious mobility issues and it’s unbearable in here Lille!”